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Wye Valley Widows #1
Death of a Ghostwriter
They say sharing is caring, but sharing a husband? That’s a grave mistake.
And Hell hath no fury like three widows with a murder to solve . . .
Albert Franklynn’s sudden and mysterious death leaves everyone in the pretty village of Monksworthy in shock — especially his wife Sylvie, who runs the local tearoom.
But the real surprise comes at the mortuary, where not one, but three grieving widows show up to identify his body.
It turns out that Albert wasn’t just a devoted husband to Sylvie . . . He had two other wives as well.
As everyone reels from the revelation of Albert’s double — or triple — life, three widows reluctantly team up to investigate a mystery more tangled than the village’s gaudy who killed Albert — and why.
It turns out Albert’s list of enemies is longer than the village bake sale sign-up sheet. Can these three unlikely sleuths resolve their differences to become partners in crime-solving . . . before the killer writes them out of the story for good?
And Hell hath no fury like three widows with a murder to solve . . .
Albert Franklynn’s sudden and mysterious death leaves everyone in the pretty village of Monksworthy in shock — especially his wife Sylvie, who runs the local tearoom.
But the real surprise comes at the mortuary, where not one, but three grieving widows show up to identify his body.
It turns out that Albert wasn’t just a devoted husband to Sylvie . . . He had two other wives as well.
As everyone reels from the revelation of Albert’s double — or triple — life, three widows reluctantly team up to investigate a mystery more tangled than the village’s gaudy who killed Albert — and why.
It turns out Albert’s list of enemies is longer than the village bake sale sign-up sheet. Can these three unlikely sleuths resolve their differences to become partners in crime-solving . . . before the killer writes them out of the story for good?
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2025
147 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Gaynor Torrance
13 books104 followersGaynor Torrance lives near Cardiff with her husband and their rescue cat, Cleo. The area is the setting for her Detective Inspector Jemima Huxley Crime Thriller series of books. Like Gaynor, Jemima has a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Though, apart from them both having a keen interest in human behaviour, that’s where any similarity ends.
When she’s not writing or glued to her Kindle, Gaynor enjoys listening to music, playing the piano, walking, travelling, and eating far too much chocolate.
Find out more at: http://www.gaynortorrance.com
Follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/gaytorauthor and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/gaynortorran...
When she’s not writing or glued to her Kindle, Gaynor enjoys listening to music, playing the piano, walking, travelling, and eating far too much chocolate.
Find out more at: http://www.gaynortorrance.com
Follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/gaytorauthor and Facebook https://www.facebook.com/gaynortorran...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
February 10, 2025
2.7 Stars
One Liner: Hmm… okay!
No one expected Albert Franklynn to die in an accident. His wife Sylvie is shocked. However, nothing prepares her to find the truth of her husband’s life. When two other women come claiming to be his wives (unknown to each other), they can’t help but wonder how Albert managed to lead three lives separately.
Soon, the police find out his death is likely a murder. Sylvie and her friend-cum-business partner, Liz, along with Albert’s other widow decide to get to the bottom of the issue. What else was Albert hiding?
The story comes in the third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
This is the first book in the series and is set in Monksworthy, a (fictional) village in Wye Valley, England.
We are introduced to the main characters at the beginning through individual chapters. Then, the rest of the book has POVs jumping from one character to another. It’s a mix of omnipresent and limited third-person.
After the first 15%, I realized I might enjoy this better if I increased the reading pace a bit. That helped. Something about the narration doesn’t make it as enjoyable as it should be. There’s a lot of tell (which doesn’t always bother me), making it hard to feel the vibe of the place and the characters.
That said, the main characters are easy enough to distinguish from one another. A couple of things feel OTT. Not sure if it is for humor because I didn’t find them funny.
Things take a turn midway through. A surprising development but it kinda makes sense. While the official police are supposed to do very little in cozy mysteries, they seem to do almost nothing here.
The climax wasn’t well executed. For all the build-up we get until then, the actual scene is over in a page or so. After that, there’s just one mention of it. This is unsatisfying to a reader who wants to know more about the killer and their backstory (or at least a few other details).
The title suits the book, though that aspect has also been underexplored. Most of the time, it’s the women trying to sleuth and being successful without any trouble. A bit too easy and a few coincidences dilute the feel.
Nevertheless, the book ends with a detailed glossary of British words (for US readers) listed in alphabetical order. This is an extensive list! It could be useful elsewhere too. Save a copy of the glossary if you read this book.
To summarize, Death of a Ghostwriter is the first book in a new cozy mystery series with an intriguing premise. The execution could have been a lot better, though. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either.
Thank you, NetGalley and Joffe Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #DeathOfAGhostwriter
One Liner: Hmm… okay!
No one expected Albert Franklynn to die in an accident. His wife Sylvie is shocked. However, nothing prepares her to find the truth of her husband’s life. When two other women come claiming to be his wives (unknown to each other), they can’t help but wonder how Albert managed to lead three lives separately.
Soon, the police find out his death is likely a murder. Sylvie and her friend-cum-business partner, Liz, along with Albert’s other widow decide to get to the bottom of the issue. What else was Albert hiding?
The story comes in the third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
This is the first book in the series and is set in Monksworthy, a (fictional) village in Wye Valley, England.
We are introduced to the main characters at the beginning through individual chapters. Then, the rest of the book has POVs jumping from one character to another. It’s a mix of omnipresent and limited third-person.
After the first 15%, I realized I might enjoy this better if I increased the reading pace a bit. That helped. Something about the narration doesn’t make it as enjoyable as it should be. There’s a lot of tell (which doesn’t always bother me), making it hard to feel the vibe of the place and the characters.
That said, the main characters are easy enough to distinguish from one another. A couple of things feel OTT. Not sure if it is for humor because I didn’t find them funny.
Things take a turn midway through. A surprising development but it kinda makes sense. While the official police are supposed to do very little in cozy mysteries, they seem to do almost nothing here.
The climax wasn’t well executed. For all the build-up we get until then, the actual scene is over in a page or so. After that, there’s just one mention of it. This is unsatisfying to a reader who wants to know more about the killer and their backstory (or at least a few other details).
The title suits the book, though that aspect has also been underexplored. Most of the time, it’s the women trying to sleuth and being successful without any trouble. A bit too easy and a few coincidences dilute the feel.
Nevertheless, the book ends with a detailed glossary of British words (for US readers) listed in alphabetical order. This is an extensive list! It could be useful elsewhere too. Save a copy of the glossary if you read this book.
To summarize, Death of a Ghostwriter is the first book in a new cozy mystery series with an intriguing premise. The execution could have been a lot better, though. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great either.
Thank you, NetGalley and Joffe Books, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #DeathOfAGhostwriter
January 25, 2025
3.5
Death of a Ghostwriter begins with the death of Albert Franklynn, husband of Sylvie, who is killed in a terrible car accident. The problems begin when Sylvie goes to identify her husband's body only to find another woman, Harriet Joyce, there for the exact same reason. And the shocks don't end there. The question is who is Albert really?
This story has several twists and an interesting plot that kept my interest throughout. There were times that it felt like the author was trying to cram in too many unbelievable surprises and the end felt a little rushed but otherwise it's a fun read with a reasonably fast-paced story. The main characters of Harriet, Sylvie and Liz are all engaging and likeable.
I suppose this would be described as a "cosy" mystery because it's not gory and indescribably difficult to understand. It would definitely appeal to fans of Thursday Murder Club or similar books. Recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for the advance review copy.
Death of a Ghostwriter begins with the death of Albert Franklynn, husband of Sylvie, who is killed in a terrible car accident. The problems begin when Sylvie goes to identify her husband's body only to find another woman, Harriet Joyce, there for the exact same reason. And the shocks don't end there. The question is who is Albert really?
This story has several twists and an interesting plot that kept my interest throughout. There were times that it felt like the author was trying to cram in too many unbelievable surprises and the end felt a little rushed but otherwise it's a fun read with a reasonably fast-paced story. The main characters of Harriet, Sylvie and Liz are all engaging and likeable.
I suppose this would be described as a "cosy" mystery because it's not gory and indescribably difficult to understand. It would definitely appeal to fans of Thursday Murder Club or similar books. Recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley and Joffe Books for the advance review copy.
January 5, 2025
Loving cozy mysteries, this one grabbed my interest quickly.
Albert Franklynn was leaving his home when he died in an accident, that later the police think that the accident was actually murder. Naturally, the shock is overwhelming for his wife, Sylvie. Grief pulls many emotions from a person, however, when two other women arrive saying they are also the wives of Albert. None of the wives knew about each other, they all thought that they were the only one. How did Albert have three wives without any of them getting suspicious? Sylvie, one of the other wives and her friend Liz, decide that they are going to get to the bottom of everything: his death, how he managed three separate lives and then if he was hiding anything else.
So, this was the first of a new series and when I read the description, this one had soo much promise and sounded really intriguing. However, the pace of the story was slower, and I had to push through several chapters to get into the book. While this definitely was not the worse cozy mystery I have read, but its also not the best, but I still hold hope for the author and will look for the next book. I think that this series does have promise and I will check out the next installment, but this one was not my favorite. Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the opportunity to read and review this one!
Albert Franklynn was leaving his home when he died in an accident, that later the police think that the accident was actually murder. Naturally, the shock is overwhelming for his wife, Sylvie. Grief pulls many emotions from a person, however, when two other women arrive saying they are also the wives of Albert. None of the wives knew about each other, they all thought that they were the only one. How did Albert have three wives without any of them getting suspicious? Sylvie, one of the other wives and her friend Liz, decide that they are going to get to the bottom of everything: his death, how he managed three separate lives and then if he was hiding anything else.
So, this was the first of a new series and when I read the description, this one had soo much promise and sounded really intriguing. However, the pace of the story was slower, and I had to push through several chapters to get into the book. While this definitely was not the worse cozy mystery I have read, but its also not the best, but I still hold hope for the author and will look for the next book. I think that this series does have promise and I will check out the next installment, but this one was not my favorite. Thank you NetGalley and Joffe Books for the opportunity to read and review this one!
August 25, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Gaynor Torrance for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Death of a Ghostwriter coming out August 6, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. I really love mysteries. I thought this was an interesting book. I enjoyed the characters. There were some things I didn’t care for, but I would check out more books by the author.
This is the first book I’ve read by the author. I really love mysteries. I thought this was an interesting book. I enjoyed the characters. There were some things I didn’t care for, but I would check out more books by the author.
September 2, 2025
DNF
This is a strange one! Up to the point where the 'black widow' is revealed, I was really enjoying this, but that 'twist' seemed to coincide with the quality of the writing really dropping off. I don't think I'll be visiting Monksworthy again.
This is a strange one! Up to the point where the 'black widow' is revealed, I was really enjoying this, but that 'twist' seemed to coincide with the quality of the writing really dropping off. I don't think I'll be visiting Monksworthy again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2025
Here is my review for Death Of A Ghostwriter by Gaynor Torrance
I found this to be a gripping cozy crime read that had me hooked right from the start of the book. I loved the storyline and found it to be superbly written. It was a good plot and had been well thought out. I really liked Sylvie, Liz and Harriet who got together to try and solve the murder of Albert Franklynn after it turned out he had three wives! Sylvie and Harriet had agreed to meet and talk but his third wife wasn’t interested at all. It’s a very intriguing story and it turns out that Albert has a long list of enemies for the women to work through. The writing is very descriptive and everything is described in detail. I like that it was set in a village and there were a lot of amenities available like a local pub and tea room. I hope this becomes a series as I would love to read more stories involving Sylvie, Liz and Harriet doing some sleuthing work. I loved this author’s writing style and found it really easy to get into this story. I would like to read more books by this author in the future.
Blurb :
They say sharing is caring, but sharing a husband? That’s a grave mistake.
And Hell hath no fury like three widows with a murder to solve . . .
Albert Franklynn’s sudden and mysterious death shocks the sleepy village of Monksworthy — especially his wife Sylvie, who runs the local tearoom with her best friend, Liz.
But the real surprise comes at the mortuary, where not one, but three grieving widows show up to identify his body.
It turns out that Albert wasn’t just a devoted husband to Sylvie . . . He had two other wives. And when it's revealed he was also the anonymous ghostwriter behind one of Britain’s most famous crime writers, the plot thickens faster than Liz’s treacle sponge.
As everyone reels from the revelation of Albert’s double — or triple — life, three widows reluctantly team up to investigate a mystery more tangled than the village’s gaudy bunting: who killed Albert — and why.
But it turns out his list of enemies is longer than the village bake sale sign-up sheet. Can these three unlikely sleuths resolve their differences to become partners in crime-solving . . . before the killer writes them out of the story for good?
The start of an unmissable cozy crime series, this gripping mystery about murder, mayhem and marital mischief is perfect for fans of Faith Martin, the Reverend Richard Coles, Kristen Perrin, Veronica Heley or Fiona Leitch.
MEET OUR SLEUTHS
Sylvie Franklynn is a warm and dependable woman who has lived in Monksworthy in the beautiful Wye Valley for her entire life. She co-owns the village’s tearoom with her best friend, Liz, and has a resilience that helps her weather life's challenges, whether that be a polygamous husband, or solving his murder . . .
Liz Morgan is Sylvie’s best friend and long-time business partner. A lifelong resident of Monksworthy, Liz is practical, down-to-earth and fiercely loyal. She is Sylvie’s rock.
Harriet Joyce is a meticulous and highly driven woman who works as an advice columnist under the pseudonym Aunt Aggie. Known for her love of routines and to-do lists, Harriet’s analytical mind and attention to detail will be crucial to get to the bottom of Albert’s death.
WELCOME TO MONKSWORTHY
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Wye Valley, just on the Welsh border, Monksworthy is the quintessential English village, straight out of a postcard. Life revolves around the quaint village green, bordered by winding cobblestone streets, a cosy tea room and a bustling pub where everyone knows your name. But behind every pretty chintz curtain lurk lethal secrets, just waiting to be uncovered.
I found this to be a gripping cozy crime read that had me hooked right from the start of the book. I loved the storyline and found it to be superbly written. It was a good plot and had been well thought out. I really liked Sylvie, Liz and Harriet who got together to try and solve the murder of Albert Franklynn after it turned out he had three wives! Sylvie and Harriet had agreed to meet and talk but his third wife wasn’t interested at all. It’s a very intriguing story and it turns out that Albert has a long list of enemies for the women to work through. The writing is very descriptive and everything is described in detail. I like that it was set in a village and there were a lot of amenities available like a local pub and tea room. I hope this becomes a series as I would love to read more stories involving Sylvie, Liz and Harriet doing some sleuthing work. I loved this author’s writing style and found it really easy to get into this story. I would like to read more books by this author in the future.
Blurb :
They say sharing is caring, but sharing a husband? That’s a grave mistake.
And Hell hath no fury like three widows with a murder to solve . . .
Albert Franklynn’s sudden and mysterious death shocks the sleepy village of Monksworthy — especially his wife Sylvie, who runs the local tearoom with her best friend, Liz.
But the real surprise comes at the mortuary, where not one, but three grieving widows show up to identify his body.
It turns out that Albert wasn’t just a devoted husband to Sylvie . . . He had two other wives. And when it's revealed he was also the anonymous ghostwriter behind one of Britain’s most famous crime writers, the plot thickens faster than Liz’s treacle sponge.
As everyone reels from the revelation of Albert’s double — or triple — life, three widows reluctantly team up to investigate a mystery more tangled than the village’s gaudy bunting: who killed Albert — and why.
But it turns out his list of enemies is longer than the village bake sale sign-up sheet. Can these three unlikely sleuths resolve their differences to become partners in crime-solving . . . before the killer writes them out of the story for good?
The start of an unmissable cozy crime series, this gripping mystery about murder, mayhem and marital mischief is perfect for fans of Faith Martin, the Reverend Richard Coles, Kristen Perrin, Veronica Heley or Fiona Leitch.
MEET OUR SLEUTHS
Sylvie Franklynn is a warm and dependable woman who has lived in Monksworthy in the beautiful Wye Valley for her entire life. She co-owns the village’s tearoom with her best friend, Liz, and has a resilience that helps her weather life's challenges, whether that be a polygamous husband, or solving his murder . . .
Liz Morgan is Sylvie’s best friend and long-time business partner. A lifelong resident of Monksworthy, Liz is practical, down-to-earth and fiercely loyal. She is Sylvie’s rock.
Harriet Joyce is a meticulous and highly driven woman who works as an advice columnist under the pseudonym Aunt Aggie. Known for her love of routines and to-do lists, Harriet’s analytical mind and attention to detail will be crucial to get to the bottom of Albert’s death.
WELCOME TO MONKSWORTHY
Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Wye Valley, just on the Welsh border, Monksworthy is the quintessential English village, straight out of a postcard. Life revolves around the quaint village green, bordered by winding cobblestone streets, a cosy tea room and a bustling pub where everyone knows your name. But behind every pretty chintz curtain lurk lethal secrets, just waiting to be uncovered.
July 19, 2025
When it comes to cozy mysteries, I'll be the first to admit I'm a bit of a mood reader. While I genuinely enjoy the genre, I often find myself frustrated by the leisurely pace that many UK-based cozies embrace—that distinctly British tendency to meander through teatime conversations and village gossip before getting to the meat of the mystery. So when I picked up Gaynor Torrance's "Death of a Ghostwriter," I wasn't entirely sure what to expect.
What immediately hooked me were two irresistible elements: the ghostwriter angle (as someone who's always been fascinated by the invisible craft of writing for others) and the absolutely audacious premise that our victim, Albert, managed to juggle not one, not two, but three wives simultaneously. The sheer logistics alone had me turning pages.
Albert's elaborate deception is almost admirable in its complexity. For thirty years, he maintained relationships with Sylvia (Wife #1) and Harriet (Wife #2), while adding Tess (Wife #3) to the mix just two years prior. His method? Spending one week with each wife under the guise of work travel. It's the kind of setup that makes you simultaneously marvel at his organizational skills and wonder how he kept track of three different anniversary dates.
When Albert's brakes fail on a morning departure from Tess's house, what initially appears to be a tragic accident quickly reveals itself as murder. The three wives naturally become prime suspects, setting up a deliciously tangled web of motives and secrets.
What I particularly enjoyed was watching Sylvia and Harriet—who should theoretically hate each other—team up with Sylvia's best friend Liz to investigate. Their unlikely alliance feels authentic, born from shared betrayal and mutual curiosity about the mysterious third wife. Their journey uncovers layer after layer of Albert's deceptions, including the revelation that his supposedly deceased brother and mother are very much alive and quite wealthy.
The real surprise comes with Tess's true identity. Gaynor Torrance skillfully reveals her as a "Black Widow" type, suggesting Albert was merely her latest victim in what appears to be a pattern of targeting married men. The irony is delicious—had she known about the other wives and children, she likely would have chosen a different mark entirely.
Gaynor Torrance manages to avoid the pacing pitfalls that often plague British cozy mysteries. While maintaining the genre's signature gentle approach to crime, she keeps the momentum moving with genuine character development and surprising reveals. The ghostwriter element, though not as central as I'd initially hoped, adds an interesting layer to Albert's character as someone who lived his entire life as essentially a ghost himself.
"Death of a Ghostwriter" succeeds as exactly what a cozy mystery should be: an engaging puzzle that doesn't rely on graphic violence or psychological horror to maintain interest. It's comfort food for mystery lovers—satisfying without being overwhelming, clever without being pretentious.
For readers seeking a well-crafted whodunit that hits all the right notes without keeping you awake at night, this one definitely delivers.
March 9, 2025
Death of a Ghostwriter is a cozy mystery that delivers an entertaining, if slightly uneven, story of deception, unexpected friendships, and amateur sleuthing. The novel kicks off with the shocking death of Albert Franklynn in a suspicious car accident. But the real twist comes when his wife, Sylvie, arrives at the morgue—only to find two other women also claiming to be Albert’s spouse. As the dust settles, it becomes clear that Albert wasn’t just a loving husband—he was a serial liar leading multiple lives. And someone wanted him dead.
Despite their initial shock and heartbreak, Sylvie and one of Albert’s other widows, Liz, form an unlikely alliance to uncover the truth. With the police dragging their feet, the women take matters into their own hands, determined to find out who killed Albert—and why. Along the way, they navigate a tangled web of secrets, hidden identities, and a social circle full of potential suspects.
The premise of the novel is undeniably intriguing, and the dynamic between the three women is one of its biggest strengths. Their reluctant camaraderie evolves into genuine friendship, adding warmth and humor to the story. The small village setting of Monksworthy, with its charming tea shops and nosy neighbors, creates the perfect backdrop for a cozy mystery.
However, the pacing is uneven. The book starts off strong with its jaw-dropping revelation, but the momentum slows as the focus shifts to the women’s frequent meetings, where they discuss pastries almost as much as they do the case. While their friendship is enjoyable to watch unfold, it sometimes overshadows the mystery itself. The police presence in the investigation also feels oddly absent, making the amateur sleuthing seem a little too easy at times.
Additionally, given the title, I expected the "ghostwriter" aspect to play a more significant role in the plot. Instead, it remains more of a background detail, which felt like a missed opportunity. The final resolution, while satisfying, comes together a bit too quickly, leaving some loose ends that could have been explored further.
Overall, Death of a Ghostwriter is an enjoyable, lighthearted read perfect for fans of cozy mysteries, especially those who love character-driven plots and an element of humor. While the execution has its flaws, the central mystery and the dynamic between the widows make it an entertaining ride. If the series continues, I’d be curious to see how these women tackle another case—perhaps with a bit more balance between the mystery and the tea shop chatter.
Despite their initial shock and heartbreak, Sylvie and one of Albert’s other widows, Liz, form an unlikely alliance to uncover the truth. With the police dragging their feet, the women take matters into their own hands, determined to find out who killed Albert—and why. Along the way, they navigate a tangled web of secrets, hidden identities, and a social circle full of potential suspects.
The premise of the novel is undeniably intriguing, and the dynamic between the three women is one of its biggest strengths. Their reluctant camaraderie evolves into genuine friendship, adding warmth and humor to the story. The small village setting of Monksworthy, with its charming tea shops and nosy neighbors, creates the perfect backdrop for a cozy mystery.
However, the pacing is uneven. The book starts off strong with its jaw-dropping revelation, but the momentum slows as the focus shifts to the women’s frequent meetings, where they discuss pastries almost as much as they do the case. While their friendship is enjoyable to watch unfold, it sometimes overshadows the mystery itself. The police presence in the investigation also feels oddly absent, making the amateur sleuthing seem a little too easy at times.
Additionally, given the title, I expected the "ghostwriter" aspect to play a more significant role in the plot. Instead, it remains more of a background detail, which felt like a missed opportunity. The final resolution, while satisfying, comes together a bit too quickly, leaving some loose ends that could have been explored further.
Overall, Death of a Ghostwriter is an enjoyable, lighthearted read perfect for fans of cozy mysteries, especially those who love character-driven plots and an element of humor. While the execution has its flaws, the central mystery and the dynamic between the widows make it an entertaining ride. If the series continues, I’d be curious to see how these women tackle another case—perhaps with a bit more balance between the mystery and the tea shop chatter.
January 12, 2025
Death of a Ghostwriter is a cosy mystery set in the fictional village of Monksworthy.
Sylvie is a happy wife and loves her job running the local tea room surrounded by the most scrumptious pastries day after day. When her husband, Albert, leaves on one of his working weeks, she kisses him goodbye and wishes him a safe trip. But Albert doesn’t make it to his destination. Not long after he leaves, he is involved in a fatal car accident. And when Sylvie arrives at the mortuary to identify the body, her world is thrown into turmoil when she finds out that two other women are claiming Albert as their husband. Then the police reveal that it looks as though Albert’s brakes were tampered with. The plot thickens!
The premise sounded great and the idea of the wives all finding out about each other and the possibility of murder made for a story I wanted to dive into. The subtle clues about the ending are only hinted at in the beginning, which is good. The story starts off quickly and straight away you want to find out why it happened and who these other women are. But the pace slacks off and you find yourself having to read for the sake of reading to get to the next book.
The style is very light but tended towards being too much in places. And by that I mean it felt forced and as though the scene was pushed at you rather than you being in the scene. Some conversations felt unnecessary and for sixty-something year olds they tended to speak a lot younger and a lot more energetically (if you can imagine a bunch of girls squealing and gushing over something). There was a lot of eating and drinking involved in this too for some reason.
Now, while I understand that a cosy mystery has the characters investigating, it seemed the police did very little in this and that the ladies were able to find out far too much by themselves. That they could get in touch with “all” the people of a certain money class seemed a stretch too. And since the title had ghostwriter in it, there was actually very little to do with this. It felt like a missed opportunity for a subplot. And then the ending. All of that and it was over so quickly? I don’t mind a build-up but to just have action, action, action and then “cut”? Left me wanting more.
It’s a good book but not enough that I’d read it again. If you need a rainy day afternoon read then this is for you.
Thanks to NetGalley, Joffe Books, and the author for the opportunity to review the book.
Sylvie is a happy wife and loves her job running the local tea room surrounded by the most scrumptious pastries day after day. When her husband, Albert, leaves on one of his working weeks, she kisses him goodbye and wishes him a safe trip. But Albert doesn’t make it to his destination. Not long after he leaves, he is involved in a fatal car accident. And when Sylvie arrives at the mortuary to identify the body, her world is thrown into turmoil when she finds out that two other women are claiming Albert as their husband. Then the police reveal that it looks as though Albert’s brakes were tampered with. The plot thickens!
The premise sounded great and the idea of the wives all finding out about each other and the possibility of murder made for a story I wanted to dive into. The subtle clues about the ending are only hinted at in the beginning, which is good. The story starts off quickly and straight away you want to find out why it happened and who these other women are. But the pace slacks off and you find yourself having to read for the sake of reading to get to the next book.
The style is very light but tended towards being too much in places. And by that I mean it felt forced and as though the scene was pushed at you rather than you being in the scene. Some conversations felt unnecessary and for sixty-something year olds they tended to speak a lot younger and a lot more energetically (if you can imagine a bunch of girls squealing and gushing over something). There was a lot of eating and drinking involved in this too for some reason.
Now, while I understand that a cosy mystery has the characters investigating, it seemed the police did very little in this and that the ladies were able to find out far too much by themselves. That they could get in touch with “all” the people of a certain money class seemed a stretch too. And since the title had ghostwriter in it, there was actually very little to do with this. It felt like a missed opportunity for a subplot. And then the ending. All of that and it was over so quickly? I don’t mind a build-up but to just have action, action, action and then “cut”? Left me wanting more.
It’s a good book but not enough that I’d read it again. If you need a rainy day afternoon read then this is for you.
Thanks to NetGalley, Joffe Books, and the author for the opportunity to review the book.
January 12, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
2.5 ⭐ Rounded up.
The premise of this is promising, a man dies, his wife is informed, only to discover as she is identifying the body that he was also married to 2 other women and has been leading a triple life. What other secrets is he hiding? Were any of the wives involved in the murder?
The problem is in the execution. First and foremost, it takes a little bit to get going and feels quite slow-paced for how short it is. For how slow-paced it felt, a lot of page space was wasted on the wrong things, there was plenty of room to find out more about Albert's multiple lives, more of his secrets, and more of the actual mystery bits. I felt like far too much page space was spent telling us how amazing various pastries were as the women met for another meal to talk about what great friends they were. Like I loved the female friendship, I adore that shit for sure, but we don't need to reaffirm their friendship every 5 minutes.
Also, justice for Simon! On one hand the police in this case hilariously bad But I also felt like the women were way too hard on Simon, considering he repeatedly puts up with them meddling in an active investigation and tells them that he believes them and will pass the information on and thanks them for all their help, they get mad because he won't just act on information they get from dubious sources, what do you want him to do? Break into a millionaire's house and accuse his fiancee of being a murderer? I get being frustrated by the lack of progress from the police but why they are angry at Simon specifically as if he has done anything wrong is wild.
The premise is intriguing and I enjoy the concept of these widows coming together to solves mysteries but the execution was lacking.
2.5 ⭐ Rounded up.
The premise of this is promising, a man dies, his wife is informed, only to discover as she is identifying the body that he was also married to 2 other women and has been leading a triple life. What other secrets is he hiding? Were any of the wives involved in the murder?
The problem is in the execution. First and foremost, it takes a little bit to get going and feels quite slow-paced for how short it is. For how slow-paced it felt, a lot of page space was wasted on the wrong things, there was plenty of room to find out more about Albert's multiple lives, more of his secrets, and more of the actual mystery bits. I felt like far too much page space was spent telling us how amazing various pastries were as the women met for another meal to talk about what great friends they were. Like I loved the female friendship, I adore that shit for sure, but we don't need to reaffirm their friendship every 5 minutes.
Also, justice for Simon! On one hand the police in this case hilariously bad But I also felt like the women were way too hard on Simon, considering he repeatedly puts up with them meddling in an active investigation and tells them that he believes them and will pass the information on and thanks them for all their help, they get mad because he won't just act on information they get from dubious sources, what do you want him to do? Break into a millionaire's house and accuse his fiancee of being a murderer? I get being frustrated by the lack of progress from the police but why they are angry at Simon specifically as if he has done anything wrong is wild.
The premise is intriguing and I enjoy the concept of these widows coming together to solves mysteries but the execution was lacking.
July 2, 2025
3.5 stars. This was good read - engaging plot, mostly likeable characters, and some unpredictable twists. It did have its faults though.
I did not love the writing style. The first several chapters all ended on a forced, mini cliffhanger in a (poor) attempt to keep you reading, yet it didn’t really work for me and I often put the book down. This especially didn’t work because then first four chapters were all in a different persons perspective, and being so new to the story and not knowing the character make it confusing. The paragraphs were filled with fragments, which isn’t a crime but always feels choppy in my brain. The dialogue was cheesy at times, downright painful at others. As for the characters, Harriet and Tess/Thea were a bit cliche, as was the gay bartender (stereotypical fashionista gay who felt like an add in just for diversity sake). The story was also quite repetitive, re-explaining to every new character that Harriet and Sylvie were ‘so mature for setting aside their differences and banding together as victims of Albie’s/Berties polygamy’. Finally, the ending felt way off pace. There were constant plot points and progress for 80% of the book, then we flash forward a month in time with a failed attempt at catching Tess/Thea, then to them all of the sudden finding her at a convenience stop? It felt so unlikely that it cheapened the detective work the book seemed to boast of. Why create all the efforts of the detective ladies just for the end result being a chance encounter.
I’ll also add that the title was a bit misleading. I assumed Albert being a ghost writer would be important to the plot - maybe there was something hidden in the stories he wrote, or maybe the people he wrote for had something to do with his death. The fact he was a ghostwriter adds nothing to the plot except for a catchy title. I wish they would have played it up a bit, if it was the books namesake.
My critiques may sound harsh, but it wasn’t a bad book. The plot was engaging, the execution just fell a bit flat for me as someone who enjoys modern thrillers and mysteries. If you like classic old(er) lady detective type stories, this will be right up your alley.
Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the advance review copy.
I did not love the writing style. The first several chapters all ended on a forced, mini cliffhanger in a (poor) attempt to keep you reading, yet it didn’t really work for me and I often put the book down. This especially didn’t work because then first four chapters were all in a different persons perspective, and being so new to the story and not knowing the character make it confusing. The paragraphs were filled with fragments, which isn’t a crime but always feels choppy in my brain. The dialogue was cheesy at times, downright painful at others. As for the characters, Harriet and Tess/Thea were a bit cliche, as was the gay bartender (stereotypical fashionista gay who felt like an add in just for diversity sake). The story was also quite repetitive, re-explaining to every new character that Harriet and Sylvie were ‘so mature for setting aside their differences and banding together as victims of Albie’s/Berties polygamy’. Finally, the ending felt way off pace. There were constant plot points and progress for 80% of the book, then we flash forward a month in time with a failed attempt at catching Tess/Thea, then to them all of the sudden finding her at a convenience stop? It felt so unlikely that it cheapened the detective work the book seemed to boast of. Why create all the efforts of the detective ladies just for the end result being a chance encounter.
I’ll also add that the title was a bit misleading. I assumed Albert being a ghost writer would be important to the plot - maybe there was something hidden in the stories he wrote, or maybe the people he wrote for had something to do with his death. The fact he was a ghostwriter adds nothing to the plot except for a catchy title. I wish they would have played it up a bit, if it was the books namesake.
My critiques may sound harsh, but it wasn’t a bad book. The plot was engaging, the execution just fell a bit flat for me as someone who enjoys modern thrillers and mysteries. If you like classic old(er) lady detective type stories, this will be right up your alley.
Thanks to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the advance review copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 24, 2025
Death of a Ghostwriter has all the makings of a charming cozy mystery: a picturesque English village, quirky characters, and an intriguing murder case. When Albert Franklynn’s sudden death reveals his shocking double—or rather, triple—life as a husband to three women, the story takes a hilarious and chaotic turn. Sylvie, Albert’s first wife, teams up with his other two widows, Liz and Harriet, to uncover the truth behind his murder, setting the stage for an unconventional sleuthing trio.
The premise is unique and entertaining, and I loved the dynamic between the three widows as they begrudgingly work together despite their differences. Each character brought something special to the table—Sylvie’s warmth and resilience, Harriet’s sharp analytical mind, and Liz’s no-nonsense practicality. The backdrop of Monksworthy, with its tea rooms, cobblestone streets, and nosy villagers, added a cozy charm that made me feel right at home.
However, while the book had its strengths, it fell short in pacing and plot development. The mystery, though intriguing, lacked the twists and turns I was hoping for, and the humor didn’t always land for me. Some parts dragged, and I found myself more invested in the character dynamics than the actual whodunit.
✧˖°. ⤷ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
The premise is unique and entertaining, and I loved the dynamic between the three widows as they begrudgingly work together despite their differences. Each character brought something special to the table—Sylvie’s warmth and resilience, Harriet’s sharp analytical mind, and Liz’s no-nonsense practicality. The backdrop of Monksworthy, with its tea rooms, cobblestone streets, and nosy villagers, added a cozy charm that made me feel right at home.
However, while the book had its strengths, it fell short in pacing and plot development. The mystery, though intriguing, lacked the twists and turns I was hoping for, and the humor didn’t always land for me. Some parts dragged, and I found myself more invested in the character dynamics than the actual whodunit.
✧˖°. ⤷ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
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August 12, 2025Lies, Betrayal, and Con Artists!!
A serious car crash on the motor way results in the untimely death of a loving husband and doting father. But very soon the grieving widow discovers that all.is not as it seems. While at the mortuary to identify her husband's body, another female arrives to identify her deceased husband a well. Turns out the crash victim was married to both women at the same time and then yet another shocker, there is a wife number 3! I almost stopped reading at this point, as it seemed ludicrous that two bright, accomplished women could be married for 35 years and not once question the 2 weeks away from home each month, no explanation of where he works, nor having met any of his work colleagues.
But I decided to stick with it just to see how it turned out. I'm glad that I did. The two original wives bond and along with the best friend of one of them they investigate what happened to "their" husband. As they uncover more clues they unearth more lies and secret identities, along with one shocking revelation after another. When it is revealed that the death was not an accident but a well planned murder, they become even more determined to find the truth.
Well written, fast paced and intriguing, these strong females strive to get to the truth of the matter no matter what! Thank you Joffe Books! Another wonderful read!
A serious car crash on the motor way results in the untimely death of a loving husband and doting father. But very soon the grieving widow discovers that all.is not as it seems. While at the mortuary to identify her husband's body, another female arrives to identify her deceased husband a well. Turns out the crash victim was married to both women at the same time and then yet another shocker, there is a wife number 3! I almost stopped reading at this point, as it seemed ludicrous that two bright, accomplished women could be married for 35 years and not once question the 2 weeks away from home each month, no explanation of where he works, nor having met any of his work colleagues.
But I decided to stick with it just to see how it turned out. I'm glad that I did. The two original wives bond and along with the best friend of one of them they investigate what happened to "their" husband. As they uncover more clues they unearth more lies and secret identities, along with one shocking revelation after another. When it is revealed that the death was not an accident but a well planned murder, they become even more determined to find the truth.
Well written, fast paced and intriguing, these strong females strive to get to the truth of the matter no matter what! Thank you Joffe Books! Another wonderful read!
August 7, 2025
The first book in a new cozy mystery series. As is true in most first books of a series, the story moves a little slower as the author builds the community and backstory, and introduces the main characters and the supporting cast. Without this framework, there is no series to carry forward. Add in the ghostwriter telling the story in the voice of others, and you have a unique beginning to this unusual story.
Monksworthy is a typical small town where everyone knows your business, or do they? Albert Franklyn spends a good deal of his time on the road; he's a salesman with a dedicated route he travels over the course of a few weeks. His wife, Sylvie, is heartbroken when Albert dies in a car accident. But her trip to the funeral home brings a huge shock; Albert has THREE wives. This is the backstory on which the mystery is built. The investigation of Albert's multiple home lives and the turn of events when the police declare his death a murder set up the rest of the book perfectly. With the narration of the story by the ghostwriter comes a birds-eye view of the craziness that explodes into what Sylvie always considered a peaceful life. It's going to be interesting to see where this series goes from here.
Monksworthy is a typical small town where everyone knows your business, or do they? Albert Franklyn spends a good deal of his time on the road; he's a salesman with a dedicated route he travels over the course of a few weeks. His wife, Sylvie, is heartbroken when Albert dies in a car accident. But her trip to the funeral home brings a huge shock; Albert has THREE wives. This is the backstory on which the mystery is built. The investigation of Albert's multiple home lives and the turn of events when the police declare his death a murder set up the rest of the book perfectly. With the narration of the story by the ghostwriter comes a birds-eye view of the craziness that explodes into what Sylvie always considered a peaceful life. It's going to be interesting to see where this series goes from here.
August 19, 2025
We all know the expression 'hell hath no fury like a woman scorned'. In this case 'hell hath no tenacity like two women scorned, and then scored again'.
When Sylvie and Harriet find themselves unbelievably linked to the death of Albert, they believe things couldn't possibly get worse. And yet, somehow they did. Not only did they have a very, binding, relationship to Albert, they also found out that someone else did.
Terrified about what on earth Albert had gotten himself into and whether this could affect their safety, they enlist the help of Liz, Sylvie's best friend, they decide to get to the bottom of things. And still things continue to get worse, basically the can was blasted open and there were worms everywhere.
The plot itself is fast paced and absolutely gripping from the start. The twists and turns are brilliant and my head was spinning the entire way through. Our main characters are brilliant. Strong, brave and they will tolerate no attempts to dissuade them from their potentially dangerous interference in a police investigation. I love the way these women work together despite the usual circumstances, their integrity and the way they carry themselves has been exceptionally well done.
I really couldn't put this one down, a top class thriller.
When Sylvie and Harriet find themselves unbelievably linked to the death of Albert, they believe things couldn't possibly get worse. And yet, somehow they did. Not only did they have a very, binding, relationship to Albert, they also found out that someone else did.
Terrified about what on earth Albert had gotten himself into and whether this could affect their safety, they enlist the help of Liz, Sylvie's best friend, they decide to get to the bottom of things. And still things continue to get worse, basically the can was blasted open and there were worms everywhere.
The plot itself is fast paced and absolutely gripping from the start. The twists and turns are brilliant and my head was spinning the entire way through. Our main characters are brilliant. Strong, brave and they will tolerate no attempts to dissuade them from their potentially dangerous interference in a police investigation. I love the way these women work together despite the usual circumstances, their integrity and the way they carry themselves has been exceptionally well done.
I really couldn't put this one down, a top class thriller.
March 3, 2025
If you like books that take totally unexpected turns, as I do, you are going to enjoy this read. Albert dies in a car crash. His widow is brought to the morgue to identify him. And his other widow. And his other widow. Yes, Bertie has been a busy boy but it all catches up to him when he meets his match in a Black Widow. Wife #1 Sylv and wife #2 Hannah should hate each other but after the initial shock wears off, they discover they have more in common than a polygamous husband.
The two women bond and not only support each other through the chaos Albert has left them but also realize that they need to find his killer because the police do not seem to be getting anywhere. Complicating things a bit is Simon, twin of Liz who becomes the third musketeer. He is a police officer but not on the case. But these are incredibly resourceful women who can call upon friends to help weed through the lies and deceits to stop a serial murderer.
The book held me from beginning to end and I loved the relationships of the three women and those lucky enough to call them friends. Five purrs and two paws up.
The two women bond and not only support each other through the chaos Albert has left them but also realize that they need to find his killer because the police do not seem to be getting anywhere. Complicating things a bit is Simon, twin of Liz who becomes the third musketeer. He is a police officer but not on the case. But these are incredibly resourceful women who can call upon friends to help weed through the lies and deceits to stop a serial murderer.
The book held me from beginning to end and I loved the relationships of the three women and those lucky enough to call them friends. Five purrs and two paws up.
June 22, 2025
4* Misleading title but a good cosy mystery and wow, a total WTF??? start.
OK, so start this with a huge dose of suspension of disbelief, tuck in, and enjoy! But, don't expect what the title hints at as that's almost inconsequential.
It's a really well-written tale, plausible if you can do willing suspension of disbelief, with surprising warmth. I loved the relationship between the widows; wanted to smack Simon; wanted to hug Sir Barny (the 'pig song' was 😂); Sir Ralph and his mother were a brilliant addition and another 'I did not see that coming!), and I wanted more than a clump of hair torn from the person who got their just desserts at the end, improbable as said ending and circumstances were.
The dialogue was funny in parts, sad in others, very British upper lip, with bits of snobbery on the part of some who eventually let go of their stuff upper lips. It was lovely to see a tale set in the good old UK, one that sets the tone for a pretty good series to come, if this tale is anything to go by.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Joffe Books for my reading pleasure.
OK, so start this with a huge dose of suspension of disbelief, tuck in, and enjoy! But, don't expect what the title hints at as that's almost inconsequential.
It's a really well-written tale, plausible if you can do willing suspension of disbelief, with surprising warmth. I loved the relationship between the widows; wanted to smack Simon; wanted to hug Sir Barny (the 'pig song' was 😂); Sir Ralph and his mother were a brilliant addition and another 'I did not see that coming!), and I wanted more than a clump of hair torn from the person who got their just desserts at the end, improbable as said ending and circumstances were.
The dialogue was funny in parts, sad in others, very British upper lip, with bits of snobbery on the part of some who eventually let go of their stuff upper lips. It was lovely to see a tale set in the good old UK, one that sets the tone for a pretty good series to come, if this tale is anything to go by.
ARC courtesy of NetGalley and Joffe Books for my reading pleasure.
August 9, 2025
The story kicks off with a man named Albert dying in a car crash. That part seems straightforward, until his wife shows up to identify the body… and then another wife… and then another. I couldn’t believe it! It turns out Albert had been living multiple lives, and none of the women knew about each other.
What really pulled me in was how the wives—Sylvie and Harriet—handled the shock. Instead of turning on each other, they teamed up. I loved watching their friendship grow. They were strong, smart, and determined to find out who really killed Albert, especially since the police weren’t making much progress.
They’re joined by Liz, Sylvie’s friend, and together the three women dive into the mystery. It’s not just about solving a crime—it’s about uncovering secrets, dealing with betrayal, and finding unexpected support in each other. The characters felt real to me, and I enjoyed the mix of humor, emotion, and suspense.
The setting added a nice touch.
If this turns into a series, I’m definitely reading the next one.
What really pulled me in was how the wives—Sylvie and Harriet—handled the shock. Instead of turning on each other, they teamed up. I loved watching their friendship grow. They were strong, smart, and determined to find out who really killed Albert, especially since the police weren’t making much progress.
They’re joined by Liz, Sylvie’s friend, and together the three women dive into the mystery. It’s not just about solving a crime—it’s about uncovering secrets, dealing with betrayal, and finding unexpected support in each other. The characters felt real to me, and I enjoyed the mix of humor, emotion, and suspense.
The setting added a nice touch.
If this turns into a series, I’m definitely reading the next one.
September 5, 2025
‘Death of a Ghostwriter’ is a cosy crime novel packed full of intrigue and great characters. It is an excellent start to the series. This author was new to me, and I enjoyed her style of writing.
When Albert dies in a car crash everyone is devastated, especially Sylvie his wife of thirty-plus years. But she gets a shock when she goes to identify his body as it turns out he has another two wives! Although she is reeling from this revelation she is determined to figure out what Albert was up to and whether it had something to do with his death.
While I did enjoy the story, I felt there was quite a bit of repetition with its recaps of what had happened. But the story itself was gripping, and I enjoyed the many reveals, misdirections, and the final resolution. The author has managed to create three great characters in Slyvie, Liz, and Harriet! Sylvie and Harriet working together was a stroke of genius, as I don’t know if I could have worked with my dead husband’s other wife!
This was a fun wee cosy crime and it kept me engrossed throughout. Let me know if you pick this one up!
February 3, 2025
"Death of a Ghostwriter" is a delightful, cozy mystery, perfect for fans of "The Thursday Murder Club." The story follows the investigation of a murder and a mystery surrounding Albert, a man who wasn't who he claimed to be. Three women take on the case, and in classic Miss Marple style, they set out to solve it. This book is well-written, with a charming plot, making it ideal for those who enjoy mysteries without blood and gore. Set against a classic British backdrop, the story unfolds smoothly, with the author providing a thorough and clear narrative from start to finish. There are no plot holes, and everything is precise and concise. While some might find this straightforward approach a bit dull, if you appreciate good writing and clear storylines, this book is perfect for you.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.
July 30, 2025
A cleverly crafted theme where a tragic accident soon turns into a murder investigation for three amateur sleuths
Albert Franklynn is killed in a road traffic accident shortly after leaving his young wife for work. The real fun begins at the mortuary when two wives turn up to identify the body. Things get even more complicated when the two wives find out that Albert has a third wife and the accident was actually murder!
Sylvie and Harriet agree in their grief and shock to cooperate for the sake of their children and soon become friends. They are joined by Liz, a lifelong friend of Sylvie, and begin to investigate the murder. It takes all of their amateur investigative skills and a few influential contacts to try and prevent Albert's killer from striking again.
This is a very clever and intriguing theme and well written. I am hoping that it's the first of a series for the three ladies of Monksworthy.
Albert Franklynn is killed in a road traffic accident shortly after leaving his young wife for work. The real fun begins at the mortuary when two wives turn up to identify the body. Things get even more complicated when the two wives find out that Albert has a third wife and the accident was actually murder!
Sylvie and Harriet agree in their grief and shock to cooperate for the sake of their children and soon become friends. They are joined by Liz, a lifelong friend of Sylvie, and begin to investigate the murder. It takes all of their amateur investigative skills and a few influential contacts to try and prevent Albert's killer from striking again.
This is a very clever and intriguing theme and well written. I am hoping that it's the first of a series for the three ladies of Monksworthy.
August 7, 2025
Thanks to Zooloo's Book Tours and the author for this ARC.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, not reading blurbs before reading a book gives you the best experience. I strongly recommend waiting until you've forgotten what a book is about before you read it, because this book was ten times more exciting as a result. I had moments of being absolutely stunned - by things that were included in literally the first sentence of the blurb, but I'd forgotten. If you like cosy mystery, I promise you'll enjoy this: don't read the blurb, just read the book, and you will get such a fun experience.
The plot was really fun and engaging, and while the characters did irritate me sometimes, they were mostly likeable - I was certainly rooting for them. The setting was charming and felt pretty realistic - love a nice countryside village!
I've said it before and I'll say it again, not reading blurbs before reading a book gives you the best experience. I strongly recommend waiting until you've forgotten what a book is about before you read it, because this book was ten times more exciting as a result. I had moments of being absolutely stunned - by things that were included in literally the first sentence of the blurb, but I'd forgotten. If you like cosy mystery, I promise you'll enjoy this: don't read the blurb, just read the book, and you will get such a fun experience.
The plot was really fun and engaging, and while the characters did irritate me sometimes, they were mostly likeable - I was certainly rooting for them. The setting was charming and felt pretty realistic - love a nice countryside village!
August 9, 2025
Albert Franklynn's death is a surprise to all, not least of all Sylvie, his wife. But the surprises come thick and fast when it is discovered three wives show up to claim his body. And then it is discovered that it was murder. So, two of the wives and a best friend team up together to find out who killed Franklynn. Not that can't be very hard or deadly, could it?
About halfway through the book it became obvious who the killer was (and you didn't need to really even need to guess) so the real charm of the book came in getting to know the three women and how they bonded. It is the first in a planned series so it is understandable so much time is spent on getting to know the women. I hope that in future books the mystery would be a little bit harder to guess.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
About halfway through the book it became obvious who the killer was (and you didn't need to really even need to guess) so the real charm of the book came in getting to know the three women and how they bonded. It is the first in a planned series so it is understandable so much time is spent on getting to know the women. I hope that in future books the mystery would be a little bit harder to guess.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 21, 2025
This is a fun cozy mystery with a premise that immediately caught my eye. The idea of a man living a triple life and the three unsuspecting wives coming together to solve his murder? Intriguing! I really wanted to love it.
Unfortunately, it didn’t quite work for me the way I’d hoped. While the setup was strong and had a lot of potential, the dynamic between the wives didn’t feel as cohesive or believable as I wanted. Their teamwork lacked the charm and chemistry that would’ve really pulled the story together for me. Still, the mystery itself had its moments, and if you enjoy lighthearted murder investigations, it’s worth checking out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Unfortunately, it didn’t quite work for me the way I’d hoped. While the setup was strong and had a lot of potential, the dynamic between the wives didn’t feel as cohesive or believable as I wanted. Their teamwork lacked the charm and chemistry that would’ve really pulled the story together for me. Still, the mystery itself had its moments, and if you enjoy lighthearted murder investigations, it’s worth checking out.
Thank you to NetGalley and Joffe Books for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 25, 2025
Gaynor Torrance's "Death of a Ghostwriter" is the first of a cosy mystery series set in the fictional village of Monksworthy,. When a polygamist dies, secrets come to the surface. The story would be a fine read for a weekend or beach outing. Torrance creates some fun moments and cute bits of dialogue. The characters are believable, and the plot is engrossing for the most part. I think two problems hold it back from being an excellent read. The beginning introduces too many separate characters, and I would have had the wives introduced at the same time. As it is now, the beginning suffers from a small pacing problem. I also think the ending is rushed, and I wish it played out a bit more. The book series has potential, and I'm curious where the second book in the series goes.
August 5, 2025
Amusing cosy mystery.
You can't help but feel sorry for Sylvie, Harriet and their children in this one although they do take their news well.
Albert is clearly a complex and very secretive man who no one really knows fully. I don't know how he managed to keep it all up or how he thought he'd continue without everything falling apart but for the most part he did get away with a lot, for a long time.
Sylvie, Liz and Harriet make a great team and have a lot of strength and determination between them. I like the idea of sleuthing and think it'd be fun to join them. Cake seems to come into it a lot too so that's not a terrible thing either 😂
I enjoyed reading this and it did have a couple of surprises and great sense of community to it.
You can't help but feel sorry for Sylvie, Harriet and their children in this one although they do take their news well.
Albert is clearly a complex and very secretive man who no one really knows fully. I don't know how he managed to keep it all up or how he thought he'd continue without everything falling apart but for the most part he did get away with a lot, for a long time.
Sylvie, Liz and Harriet make a great team and have a lot of strength and determination between them. I like the idea of sleuthing and think it'd be fun to join them. Cake seems to come into it a lot too so that's not a terrible thing either 😂
I enjoyed reading this and it did have a couple of surprises and great sense of community to it.
September 2, 2025
Sylvie Franklynn is absolutely distraught when she is informed her husband Albert has died in a car crash.
But soon revelations unspool that makes his death seem the least of her worries!
Old Bertie had been living a double life, he is also married to Harriet, oh but wait, there is also wife number two as well, Tess.
Who wants nothing to do with Sylvie or Harriet, while they bond as friends through this awful crisis.
Along with Liz Sylvie's friend, the ladies stick together through thick and then.
Then they are dealt another blow, Albert was MURDERED!!!
Meanwhile, where is the elusive Tess in all this???
This was absolutely brilliant, I can't wait to read more of these intrepid ladies.
A brilliant cosy mystery with wonderful and believable characters.
Great fun.
But soon revelations unspool that makes his death seem the least of her worries!
Old Bertie had been living a double life, he is also married to Harriet, oh but wait, there is also wife number two as well, Tess.
Who wants nothing to do with Sylvie or Harriet, while they bond as friends through this awful crisis.
Along with Liz Sylvie's friend, the ladies stick together through thick and then.
Then they are dealt another blow, Albert was MURDERED!!!
Meanwhile, where is the elusive Tess in all this???
This was absolutely brilliant, I can't wait to read more of these intrepid ladies.
A brilliant cosy mystery with wonderful and believable characters.
Great fun.
March 11, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Albert is dead, killed in a car accident.
Sylvie can't believe her beloved husband on nearly 40 years, Bertie, is gone, but that's not the only surprise. Albert was murdered, and he had a double, no, make that a triple, life. Sylvie, along with her best friend Liz and one of Albert's other wives join together to uncover the mysteries of Albert's life and death.
This was not my normal go to book, but was a cute and fun quick read. I started it on a Tuesday evening and finished it on Wednesday evening.
I enjoyed Sylvie and her interactions with the other characters. If was fun to see the ladies jump head first into solving Albert's mysteries and get into shenanigans along the way. I didn't really feel like there were that many surprises or big reveals that I didn't see coming before they happened.
I definitely wouldn't put this book to the top of your TBR if you've got other books calling your name, but if you are between books, this is a quick light-hearted read that I found enjoyable.
Albert is dead, killed in a car accident.
Sylvie can't believe her beloved husband on nearly 40 years, Bertie, is gone, but that's not the only surprise. Albert was murdered, and he had a double, no, make that a triple, life. Sylvie, along with her best friend Liz and one of Albert's other wives join together to uncover the mysteries of Albert's life and death.
This was not my normal go to book, but was a cute and fun quick read. I started it on a Tuesday evening and finished it on Wednesday evening.
I enjoyed Sylvie and her interactions with the other characters. If was fun to see the ladies jump head first into solving Albert's mysteries and get into shenanigans along the way. I didn't really feel like there were that many surprises or big reveals that I didn't see coming before they happened.
I definitely wouldn't put this book to the top of your TBR if you've got other books calling your name, but if you are between books, this is a quick light-hearted read that I found enjoyable.
July 19, 2025
An enjoyable story of how, following the opening pages noting Albert’s sudden death in a car accident, his multiple life starts to unravel and his many deceptions and secrets are revealed.
As the novel progresses, the secrets disclosed include the fact that his occupation was as a ghost writer and the two women closest to him join together with a third, a friend, to investigate and establish the various truths.
The strong likeable female characters Sheila, Harriet and Liz and their interactions make the book entertaining and appealing and the plot moves along quickly.
The plot twists work well and it is very appealing.
As the novel progresses, the secrets disclosed include the fact that his occupation was as a ghost writer and the two women closest to him join together with a third, a friend, to investigate and establish the various truths.
The strong likeable female characters Sheila, Harriet and Liz and their interactions make the book entertaining and appealing and the plot moves along quickly.
The plot twists work well and it is very appealing.
July 30, 2025
The sudden death of a family man in an automobile accident opens up a whole can of worms when it is revealed that he was a polygamist, and that the accident was nothing of the sort - his brakes had been tampered with. Two of his three wives become friends and set out to solve his murder when it looks like the police are failing miserably. Although my usual choice of crime fiction is normally a little more gritty than this cosy murder mystery, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was easy to read, was well written and kept me enthralled till the end. I would definitely recommend it to any fans of the cosy crime genre.
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